KRISHNA MISHRA Vs. CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Rule, by consent made returnable forthwith. Counsel appearing on behalf of the Respondents waives service on behalf of the Respondents. By consent, the Petition is taken up for hearing and final disposal. The First Petitioner is the writer and director of a film by the name of 'Beehad - the Ravine'. The Second Petitioner is the producer of the film. The controversy in these proceedings relates to the certification, initially granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and modified in appeal by the Film Certification Appellate Tribunal (FCAT) in respect of (i) the trailer; (ii) songs; and (iii) promos.

(2.) Now as regards the trailer, the CBFC granted an 'A' certification with three cuts. The FCAT has in appeal maintained the 'A' certification but with only one of the three cuts. In other words, the other two scenes which were found to be objectionable by the CBFC have been allowed. Scene 2 has been directed to be excised.

(3.) As regards the songs, the CBFC had granted 'A' certification in respect of song Nos. 2, 3 and 4 and a certification of 'U/A' in respect of song No. 5. The FCAT has maintained the 'A' certification in respect of song Nos. 2, 3 and 4. There was no appeal in respect of Song No. 5.